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Host said: What are typical autocad drafter salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?
What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

I'm new here. I wanted to get some opinions about salaries. I have about 12 yrs of architectural drafting experience in the (high end) custum limestone industry. In the 12 yrs I have worked here Iâ€™ve had the opportunity of acquiring plenty of additional experience as the "Computer Guy". Meaning Iâ€™ve basically served as the company's Systems administrator for the last 12 years as well. My problem is that I have never really been able to put a good finger on what would be a fair salary. I am hired as a drafter but I also serve as the system's administrator as well. The problem is that when I am doing one thing, I'm getting behind in the other and vice versa. Stress can get high at times and the boss gets a little angry and I think he does not see some times the need for the computer support that goes on. What do you think a fair salary would be? Any suggestions on the situation? I'm currently getting between

I AM READING ABOUT ONE OF THESE FOOLS GIVING AWAY WHAT SHOULD BE PAID ROYAL FOR .

GIVING AWAY WHAT EVERY ONE IS WORKING HARD FOR RUINES IT FOR ALL..

JUMP UNDER THE BUS TIRES AND GET IT OVER WITH..

WORSE THAN JOB STEALER GIVING IT AWAY FREE..

AND THERE SCHOOLS PUMPING OUT NEW A-C EMPLOYEES EVERY DAY!!!!.

MANAGEMENT IS IN CONTROL AND THE CAD OPERATOR IS JUST A SIMPLE TOOL TO BE USED UP AND DISPOSED WITH WHEN DONE ..

AS LONG AS EVERY CAD OPERATOR THINKS HE CAN OUT PREFORM THE OTHERS TO KEEP THERE JOB COMPANIES WILL USE THIS TO ABUSE THE WORKERS...HOW MANY YEARS CAN YOU KEEP UP THE PACE AT LOW WAGES AND THEN BURN OUT WITH OUT GOOD RETIREMENT AND PAY..

Perhaps those still dwelling in the strictly "cad" profession should reevaluate their career goals (if they're not satisfied) and move beyond simple "cad" work. In hard core engineering environments the cad operator will always be the lowliest being on the totem pole. This was my experience, years ago. Today I would assume most entry level engineers are well versed in all the popular cad software packages; ultimately marginalizing cad operators (someone without the benefit of a formal four year bachelor of science education) to the nth degree. Even the term "operator" projects the image of someone strictly trained to press the red button when the green light comes on; but not knowing what the green light really means when it does activate. Just my 2 cents and prior experience.

What is a "Hingins" or for that matter, a "Pakey"??
I guess the bottom line is that if the environment you are in is near unbearable, and the pay level is low, it is time to move on or start your own business.

I am a student at ITT Tech in Culver City. I am nearly finished with my AA in CDD. The best thing about this school, for me that is, are the instructors. I've had civil engineers and architects, all of which are brilliant. The civil engineer works for LAX and he just go me an interview with HNTB for an engineeringintern position. It pays $16 per hour and I will essentially be doing AutoCad work. I haven't got the job yet but I am confident. The job market for drafters is picking up. Go get your LEED Green Associate if you want to stand out during an interview.

cajineer STANKS in Seattle, Washington said: only problem with that is you need to have worked on a LEED project to qualify for the LEED exams. If you have then go for it!

Actually if you read carefully, having completed a class geared toward sustainable design, you qualify to take the LEED Green Associate exam. You have to present your Transcript or get a written letter from the instructor that taught the class. Oh yeah, I got the Internship at HNTB.

I beleive that an engineers may be able to run cad but they don't have a clue what steel detailing is all about.

Upenn02' in Swedesboro, New Jersey said: Perhaps those still dwelling in the strictly " cad " profession should reevaluate their career goals (if they're not satisfied) and move beyond simple "cad" work. In hard core engineering environments the cad operator will always be the lowliest being on the totem pole. This was my experience, years ago. Today I would assume most entry level engineers are well versed in all the popular cad software packages; ultimately marginalizing cad operators (someone without the benefit of a formal four year bachelor of science education ) to the nth degree. Even the term "operator" projects the image of someone strictly trained to press the red button when the green light comes on; but not knowing what the green light really means when it does activate. Just my 2 cents and prior experience.

JOHN in Austin, Texas said: I beleive that an engineers may be able to run cad but they don't have a clue what steel detailing is all about.

I'll have to agree with John's detailing comment. Drafting is a practice, and is only something that you can do with ease if you do it on a regular basis. I've even worked with former draftsman turned engineer, and witnessed some of their current drawings, and I got to tell you that the quality just wasn't there. Engineering drawings will most likely suffer in quality because many firms are relying on engineers to create them now. However, I say so be it because I also tend to agree with Upenn02'. The CAD 'Operator' position in the engineering field is the lowliest of the low these days, and the pay is far from keeping up with inflation, unless you get a contract job with no benefits. And because of the economy, the contract jobs are the norm. If you want to make money and earn respect in your field, drafting is definitely not for you.

I have an AAS in Drafting and Design. Got a job at 12/hr with insurance paid and thought I was sitting pretty good at the time. I am working with BIM now and making 13 an hour now. I now feel like I am still about the lowest paid CADD Tech in town seeing as other companies start entry level CADD users out at around $15/hr with benefits. I like what I do, but am thinking more and more about that ever important Engineering or Architecture degree. We have a couple engineers that stick up for us. They even take us on site visits every once in a while so we can actually see what we are drawing. But then they get in trouble because that is not what we are paid for.

I am 19 and just graduated high school last year. I got a design technician job at an engineering firm that is growing at an insane rate. I started at $25,000 a year with full benefits. Within the first three months I received a $5,000 raise and an extra $1,000 bonus. Now at 7 months with the company, the head P.E. And CEO offered to pay my way through engineering school and still be paid my salary along with my own office. In my 7 months with this job I have seen several techs come out of college and then fail in their attempts to make drafting their career. The associates degree in drafting and design means nothing. I push hard and work just as hard. That means perfection in your work and drive to always set the bar higher. In my eyes if your a tech not making enough money to be happy, you are not using your ability and intelligence anywhere near it's full potential. The money is in the details. You can make it as a CADDrafter!